The breakfast scene is impressive in Honolulu, where locals and vacationers alike love to treat themselves to indulgent beverages and hearty breakfasts. You’ll find plenty of compelling breakfast spots around town, but one Chinatown mainstay has an especially powerful reputation: Local Joe.
Bohemian vibes abound at this Honolulu favorite. The atmosphere at Local Joe is unquestionably welcoming. The smell alone should convince you that this local cafe is truly something special. Here, coffee is akin to fine wine. Founder Charles Asselbaye is a roastmaster like no other, boasting excellent training and a strong vision for the future of the coffee business. He has an eye for detail, evident as he carefully sources, roasts, and ultimately, serve the perfect cup of coffee.
This small, but cozy enclave has limited indoor seating, as well as a cute patio where you can take in the downtown hustle and bustle as you sip on your beverage. The resident roastmaster of Local Joe is always happy to chat. A short conversation will reveal his genuine passion for all things coffee.
If you’re all about Instagrammable beverages, you’ll be thrilled by the most unique option at this special cafe: customizable latte art. This personalized affair goes above and beyond. You can actually AirDrop photos and have them recreated on your drink’s foam. If you’re not sure which images will work well, don’t hesitate to ask the baristas for pointers.
The only problem? The intricate foam art at Local Joe will make your beverage too visually impressive to consume. Once you overcome your initial reluctance, however, you’ll discover that it tastes even better than it looks. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to breakfast spot whenever you’re in Honolulu.
A few of our favorite beverages include the following:
Marc’s Malabar Mocha
This decadent drink features a delightful blend of creme de cacao, heavy cream, dark chocolate, and caramel sauce. Espresso should give you a burst of energy beyond your sugar rush alone.
Le Noire et Blanc
This refreshing beverage includes one of Hawaii’s best cold brews, plus the perfect add-on: locally crafted Tahitian vanilla gelato.
Green Energy Smoothie
Keep it healthy with a smoothie from Local Joe. Give yourself a burst of energy as you tackle an action-packed day. This blended beverage includes green tea, kale, coconut water, berries, and honey for a hint of sweetness.
Top eats include:
Turkey Bacon Breakfast Burrito
Fuel up with a burrito that is packed with all the best ingredients: organic eggs, tater tots, cheddar, Greek yogurt, and spinach. A vegan version is available if desired.
Mexican Quinoa Salad
A healthy breakfast can be downright exciting, as evidenced by this fiber and protein-packed option. It includes brown rice, quinoa, tomato, corn, red onion, and black beans. Cilantro and jalapenos pack on the flavor.
Maple Waffles
If you have a sweet tooth, you need not rely on indulgent beverages alone to satisfy you. Fluffy waffles should also do the trick, especially if they’re topped with fresh fruit and served with maple syrup and marmalade. Add house whipped cream to the mix, and you have the makings of the perfect breakfast.
If you demand nothing less than exceptional from your morning cup of coffee, you’ll want to make a beeline for Local Joe. Treat yourself to a remarkable beverage and a tasty breakfast to start your day off right.
Insider Tips:
-If there’s a downside to visiting Local Joe, it’s definitely the parking situation. There are a few decent pay lots nearby, but be prepared to fork over a significant fee. You might be able to avoid these parking fees if you do a quick pickup instead of lingering on the patio.
-Be sure to invest in ground or whole beans while you visit. These can also be purchased online. You’ll be excited to get a taste of the Local Joe experience from the comfort of your home. Keep an eye on the social media page, where you’ll sometimes find discounts for online ordering.